JUDGMENT: Judgment in cheating case worth about Rs. 7.98 crore

Jalandhar, December 10, 2012:The Special Judge for CBI cases, Saket, New Delhi has convicted Ram Kumar, the then Officer, Oriental Bank of Commerce, Mataur Branch, Meerut (U.P) and two private persons - Uma Bhatla, resident of Vikaspuri, New Delhi and Manjeet Kumar, Proprietor of Shivani Jewellers, Karol Bagh, New Delhi, for cheating the bank during 1999-2000 to the extent of about Rs.7.98 crore in the fraudulent manipulation of demand drafts.

The convicted alleged accused, Ram Kumar was sentenced to undergo one year imprisonment with fine of Rs.20,000 while other two accused persons were sentenced to undergo three years imprisonment with fine of Rs. 25,000 each.

The investigation revealed that  Ram Kumar, the then officer of Oriental Bank of Commerce used to provide stolen book of blank DD’s to Uma Bhatla who used to fabricate/forge these DDs with high value amount and Manjeet Kumar used to get the amount of these DDs credited in his firm’s bank account.    

Two more accused (an Officer of Oriental Bank of Commerce and another person) were also charged and prosecuted. Presently they are absconding. The Court declared them Proclaimed Offenders.